Nowadays, it has become a rarity to see a Tamil Nadu player in the Indian hockey team, be it juniors or seniors.
When forward S. Karthi was selected in the core probables list of the junior team for the Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to be held from Oct. 12 to 19, it was joy not just for the 18-year-old, hailing from Ariyalur, a small town in Tamil Nadu, but also for those tracking his progress.
The last TN junior player to represent the country was goalkeeper Senthamizh Arasu in 2017, who is no longer in the scheme of things.
“I am very happy [to be in core probables]. I want to play well for the country by scoring goals,” said Karthi.
Attracting attention
He has been in the camp [in Bengaluru] since April this year, playing well consistently and attracting the attention of all those concerned.
“I am truly enjoying the camp. The facilities here are excellent. The training is top-notch. There is nothing to complain,” said Karthi whose father works as a security at a Government College in Ariyalur, while his mother is a domestic help.
Good chance
Karthi felt India has a good chance to reach the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup. “I am sure we will reach the summit clash. From there, it depends on the day,” he said.
Not knowing Hindi is a problem as he finds it difficult to communicate with the other players.
But Karthi is determined to set it right. “I am learning Hindi. I can understand a bit now. But I will improve,” he said.
Karthi doesn’t have time for anything else as skills training, practice sessions, video analysis with team management, drills and gymnasium take much of his time.
“It will only make me a better player,” he said.
B.J. Kariappa, who is in-charge of the Indian juniors in Bengaluru, has words of praise for Karthi.
“He is very skilful and talented. Communication has been a problem. But he is learning and we are guiding him. In the next couple of camps, he will definitely get better. His fitness is good. So is his strength,” he said.
With his abiding commitment and desire, Karthi is sure to achieve his dream of representing the country and scoring goals aplenty.
